1987 vintage guide for Italy Piedmont

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Weather Conditions

In Piedmont the year began with heavy snows and cold temperatures continuing through February and March. The first week of April was cold and wet but conditions improved with warmer weather for bud-break at the end of the month. The first half of May was cooler with some rain, but the second half was drier and brighter. Poor conditions prevailed at flowering in June, with rain and humidity. A fairly even, warm and dry summer meant that the grapes were ripening well with few disease problems. Heavy rains began at the critical final ripening and harvesting period from the second week of October onwards.

Best Appellations

Those able to pick early fared the best, and Barbaresco is more successful in general than Barolo. However, much of the crop was either not fully ripe at picking, or damaged by rain. Some Barbera was fully mature before the rain arrived.

Best Producers

Initially with reasonable balance, the 1987s have already seen better days and should be drunk without delay. Barolo from Paolo Scavino and Sandrone was surprisingly successful.